Mega Projects Draw Thousands of Tourists
Chinese mega projects are drawing unprecedented tourist interest, especially during significant holiday periods. This trend was particularly evident during the recent Spring Festival, which wrapped up earlier this week.
Mega Projects and Tourist Attraction
One of the standout attractions is the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, the highest bridge globally, located in Guizhou province. From February 15 to the end of the holiday, it registered over 300,000 visitors. Notably, 75 percent of these tourists traveled by car, with a majority coming from outside the province.
Immersive Tourist Experiences
The popularity of the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge can be attributed to its design that integrates tourism elements. Visitors can enjoy activities such as:
- VR bungee jumping
- Traditional folk activities
This model not only enhances visitor engagement but also stimulates local economic growth. The construction phase of the bridge alone created nearly 1,000 jobs and raised the annual per capita income by over 48,000 yuan (approximately $6,924).
Catalysts for Rural Development
Mega projects like the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge are also revitalizing local communities. In Huajiang village, more than 40 residents have returned to establish businesses, including:
- Hostels
- Food stalls
FAST: A Fusion of Science and Tourism
Another significant site is the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST) in Pingtang county, also in Guizhou. Dubbed “China’s sky eye,” FAST has become a favorite for family visits, particularly during the 2026 Spring Festival.
This site offers educational experiences related to astronomy and integrates ecological tourism. The interactive exhibits captivated many families. Li Hong, a tourist from several hundred kilometers away, remarked that her child developed a newfound interest in space exploration during their visit.
Growth of Domestic Tourism
The trend toward experiential travel is growing rapidly. In 2026, there were 596 million domestic trips in China, a jump of 95 million compared to the previous year’s eight-day Spring Festival.
Authorities are focused on promoting high-quality tourism products, aiming to establish international hubs for science education and exploration. This innovative approach intertwines technology with tourism, illustrating the nation’s significant advancements in both fields.
Through initiatives like those at FAST and the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, the potential for cultural and economic development through tourism appears limitless. Visitors to these mega projects not only witness cutting-edge engineering but also participate in enriching experiences that celebrate China’s scientific achievements.
